23 Free or Cheap Things to do in Wellington

Free or cheap Activities in Wellington.

Whether you end up in Wellington to live the city life on a working holiday, or are just waiting to catch a flight or the ferry to the South Island, there are a few things to do without busting your bank account. In between partying, discovering the art, and having a few great eats, you’ll want to check out these free things to do in Wellington.

You can make this an educational visit by going to the interactive museum of Te Papa or tour the parliament buildings. A couple of walks give a good vantage point of the city to add to your reams of New Zealand photographs. Wellington is also an essential destination for The Lord of the Rings geeks, as it is home to the Weta Cave – the free part of the Weta Workshop – and a filming location is on a popular walk here too.

So set out into the city and have a blast on a budget! (And if you just want to skip to the good stuff, have a look at the 10 Wellington Must-Dos).

1. Visit the Te Papa museum

If there is one museum you are going to visit in New Zealand it has to be Te Papa. The national museum is about all things New Zealand, from land (step into an earthquake simulator) to sea (witness the colossal squid). Insider tip: don’t forget to check out the mini exhibition under the Te Papa car park. Not a lot of people know it is there! For more information, check out 10 Reasons Why The Te Papa Museum is Simply Unmissable.

2. Check out the weta cave

Movie buffs rejoice! This mini museum and shop is the front of the Weta Workshop – behind-the-scenes concept design and prop production. This is a must for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit fans. For more Middle-earth activities, check out our Guide to The Lord of the Rings in Wellington.

3. walk mt victoria

Reach the lookout on Mt Victoria for views of Wellington city. Additionally, part of the walk was used in The Lord of the Rings when the Hobbits hide from the black riders outside of The Shire. To get there, you can start at the eastern end of Courtenay Place, cross Cambridge Terrace and Kent Terrace, walk along Majoribanks Street until you see the sign to the Southern Walkway. Follow the Summit Walkway to the lookout!

4. shop on cuba street

Known as a bit of a hipster/hippy joint, Cuba Street is holds quirky clothes stores, cafes, restaurants, and op shops. Take some photos, check out the sculptures and embrace the culture.

5. free parliament buildings tour

If you’re into your politics and architecture, then you are in for a treat. Learn about New Zealand politics and see the earthquake reinforcements on this free tour of Wellington’s Parliament buildings.

6. take the cable car

Make like the ultimate tourist by taking the cable car to the Botanic Gardens and lookout over the business district. The short journey is NZ$7 making it a darn cheap thing to do in Wellington! Find the Cable Car down Lambton Quay. At the top, the Cable Car Museum is free entry.

7. Have a drink

Wellington prides itself on its craft beers, cocktail bars and comedy entertainment. But don’t worry, there are some affordable places for a pint too, just check out: 5 Awesome Bars in Wellington.

8. See wildlife at zealandia

New Zealand birds! So many New Zealand birds! For NZ$19.50 take a stroll though the sanctuary and exhibition, which is home to native birds and the tuatara lizard – the only living ancestor from the dinosaur age. Learn more about Zealandia here.

9. walk along the waterfront

This will take you past ice cream parlours – vital nutrients needed to survive the walk – along Oriental Bay and past many sculptures including hidden poetry in the concrete. And when you are done walking move onto #10 on our list.

10. People watch on the waterfront

There are heaps of places to sit along the waterfront. Watch as all kinds of people skateboard, longboard, scooter, cycle, run and walk on by.

11. go to the cinema

Wellington is known as the windy capital so the weather can rapidly change. If you find yourself in Wellington on a rainy day, check out one of the few cinemas in the city. The Reading Cinema on Courtenay Place plays all the latest blockbusters, but we recommend a special trip to the Roxy Cinema in Miramar for a tiptop cinema experience!

12. Have some cheap eats

If you are a bit of a foodie, then Wellington is the place to be! What’s more you can enjoy the cuisine of Wellington while being on a budget. Take a look at our Cheap Eats in Wellington.

13. Explore the Botanic Garden

There’s 25 hectares of beautiful gardens to enjoy right in the centre of Wellington with multiple entry and exit points. Go on bush walks, catch a free gig in summer, see water features and get views from the tree house.

15. Chill out at Frank Kitt’s park

It’s the hipster go-to park on the Wellington Waterfront with plenty of grassy areas to relax on a warm day. There’s an amazing children’s playground, if you’re travelling with kids. Plus, head down there on Tuesday nights to see the fire jugglers practicing their mesmerising craft!

Location: Wellington Waterfront.

16. Go to the beach!

Wellington city is blessed with a great deal of awesome beaches. Whether you want to try out surfing or just feel the sand between your toes, you won’t have to travel far to find a good beach. Check out the beach on Oriental Parade with its waterfront just off the coast, head to Scorching Bay for a picnic, or walk along Lyall Bay followed by coffee and/or ice cream! For a full list see 10 Beaches in Wellington You Can’t Miss.

17. See the seals at Red Rocks

The Red Rocks Walkway (40 minutes one way) is a popular walk along the rugged coastline with fascinating geological features, a Lord of the Rings filming location, and even seals between April and October! You can even get there by bus from the city centre if you take the Number 1 Bus to Island Bay. Find out more in our list of 10 Best Walks in Wellington.

18. Drive or walk to the Brooklyn Wind Turbine

Who doesn’t love the sight of a huge wind turbine?! Plus, the views from the Brooklyn Wind Turbine give you an excellent perspective of Wellington city. It’s possible to either drive, walk or take the bus from the city centre. By bus, take the Number 8. By foot, make your way to the Polhill Reserve and Wind Turbine Trail just off Ashton Fitchett Drive. By car, you can take Hawkins Hills Road off Ashton Fitchett Drive all the way to the turbine.

19. Browse the Wellington Central Library

Bookworms will love Wellington for its array of bookshops, big and small. Start with the Wellington Central Library with more than 600,000 books! We also like Arty Bees Books, the largest second-hand bookstore in Wellington, to pick up some reads for the road. Find out more about Wellington’s best book stores in our 10 Wonderful Wellington Bookshops for Bookworms.

20. Walk up Mt Kaukau

Mt Kaukau is the highest visible mountain in the Wellington city skyline, so natually, it’s a fun mountain to conquer and get some incredible views! Either do the short version of the walk from either Woodmancote Road or Simla Crescent in Khandallah. Or go to the mountain as part of the Northern Walkway! Check out 10 Best Walks in Wellington for more information.

21. Visit the Otari Wilton’s Bush

This is New Zealand’s only public garden solely holding native plants and trees. It’s a stunning location to get a “wilderness” like experience with a short drive or bus trip from the city centre – (take the Number 14 Wilton Bus from Lambton Quay).

Have fun in between seasonal jobs. The region offers a huge amount […]

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